Astrology of Today – December 23, 2014

Summary:

The big news of the day is Saturn moving into Sagittarius. The horoscopes that follow summarize how Saturn in Sagittarius might affect each sign of the zodiac, but a fuller description can be found in my article about Saturn’s transit of Sagittarius on Cafe Astrology here. A Mercury-Vesta alignment in Capricorn today continues and adds to the theme of producing and accomplishing, giving us focus, although possibly rather narrow focus. Relating is a little difficult today, but work generally fares well.

The Moon is in Capricorn until 9:52 PM EST.

The Moon is void until 9:52 PM EST (since yesterday at 10:18 PM).

The Moon is in Aquarius from 9:52 PM EST forward (until Thursday, December 25th, at 11:07 PM EST).

The Moon is in its New phase.

The Moon is waxing.

Saturn enters Sagittarius [Saturn will transit Sagittarius from December 23, 2014 to June 14, 2015; and then from September 17, 2015 to December 20, 2017].

Horoscopes

Aries

With Saturn’s entry into Sagittarius today, you’re beginning a period, lasting almost three years in total, of greater personal strength. This is due in large part to a stronger connection with reality, a firmer grip of your priorities, and a better attitude towards meeting your responsibilities. Overall, your life will feel more stable, and you’ll generally feel more comfortable with who you are. Because you have a more mature grasp of your own capabilities, you project a more responsible, perhaps serious, and self-assured personality to others. You are learning more about your belief systems and personal philosophy, although there can be some disillusionments to deal with in the process. This can also be a period of teaching others what you have learned from your work, career, or business. Today, there could be clashes with others, particularly related to work/business. However, you can take advantage of energy that helps you to narrow your focus and tune out distractions in order to get important work done.

Taurus

Your values will begin to take dramatic turns with Saturn now transiting your solar eighth house, dear Taurus, and this process will continue for the better part of the next three years. You will be learning that previous methods of controlling your environment and the people in your life simply are not effective any more, or you might experience the loss of some form of support, financial or otherwise, and are faced with the need to make adjustments. It’s a good time to work on a plan to reduce debt. Dissatisfaction and frustrations getting what you want, especially with reference to relationships with others and with your financial resources, may be felt now. Support from others may be lacking in some manner, and this can be felt on intimate and/or financial levels. However, as you discover that you can live without these things, you build a stronger relationship with, and trust in, yourself.

Gemini

With Saturn now in your opposing sign for the better part of the next three or so years, dear Gemini, you may be experiencing the less flattering side of relationships, of a partner, and even of yourself. While at times discouraging, you will certainly be learning a lot about yourself and your needs from partnership. The best use of this period is to work on your own portion of the partnership equation and take whatever steps necessary to improve it. Also, it is helpful to face complex emotions in your relationships without glossing them over or dismissing them as “not your problem”. You may be seeing another person as the “heavy”, when in fact your own needs are also transforming. Be fearless when facing the roots of any problems that emerge now.

Cancer

Saturn is now transiting your solar sixth house, dear Cancer, where it will continue for the better part of the next three years. You can become acutely aware of all of the “fluff” that you have surrounding your daily routines and your work, and you’ll feel some pressure to bring things into order. This is an excellent time for starting new regimens to better your health and well-being, such as regular exercise, more structured and productive use of your time, and so forth. Organizing your workspace is appropriate, and so is re-organizing your daily schedule. If you’ve been overdoing a supportive role or if you’ve been scattering your energies and haven’t truly acknowledged just how much you do, then Saturn here will stimulate you to tidy up. By the end of this transit, ideally you’ll feel more joyful about the services you provide and the support you give, after taking a realistic look at these things and making the necessary adjustments. Don’t worry too much if your efforts are not yet visible or recognized. The effort you exert now can bring great rewards down the road.

Leo

With Saturn now moving through your solar fifth house, Saturn’s favoring of “quality over quantity” applies to your romantic life, the ways you express your creativity, and how/what you seek in terms of entertainment and recreation, dear Leo. This transit will last the better part of the next three years. While your self-expression may not be quite as spontaneous as it once was – you tend to be taking things a little more seriously – you can better focus on one or two things and do them well. For many, this can be a good time for meaningful relationships as well as creative productivity. Many of you will go through a period of re-evaluation of your talents and how you might better use them in a practical sense. Some of you could be turning your hobbies and pastimes into businesses. Overall, with Saturn moving in harmony with your sign, this can be a stable and responsible period of your life.

Virgo

Domestic duties and obligations to your family may seem on the increase with Saturn now influencing the sector of your solar chart that governs home, family, and support systems, dear Virgo. This transit will be in effect for the better part of the next three years. While it’s important to give your family and home life the attention they need, putting too much into these things can be taxing. In fact, going overboard is only going to make you less effective in the long run. It would behoove you to find a balance now. Reorganizing the home environment is important now. Particularly for Virgo Ascendants, this can be an important time for new career beginnings. You may be laying groundwork and building a long-term project that will ultimately have much significance in your life. Today, avoid defensiveness with others, and honor a desire to focus on a creative hobby or pursuit.

Libra

Your interests are changing, and you may find that you become quite serious about certain topics and studies with Saturn now transiting your communications sector, dear Libra. This transit will be with you for the better part of the next three years. You might also recognize a strong need for deeper conversations, and some impatience with more superficial connections and topics, which can now be viewed as distracting. You may at times feel rather overwhelmed by such things as errands, red tape, paperwork, and other such day-to-day “disruptions”. You may feel pressure to produce ideas, and to make them work. Positively, you are more able to come across as an authority in the work that you do, or in your communications. This is a good time for organized learning and fine-tuning your communications skills.

Scorpio

Saturn has left your sign, dear Scorpio, after an over two year stint, although it will return to Scorpio from June to September 2015. Saturn’s movement into your solar second house now marks a new stage of taking stock of your effectiveness, self-worth, and finances. This stage of your life is a practical one. Financial success may not be remarkable, yet it is generally steady, if slow to come by. Getting organized and learning to accept and market your talents are themes in this next stage of your life. Look for overlapping or unnecessary expenses and other redundancies, and aim to rid yourself of material clutter. Writing, teaching, and communicating your ideas could figure strongly in your business and may contribute more to your personal income than previously.

Sagittarius

Recognizing your limitations may not sound like fun, and perhaps may not even sound healthy, but with Saturn now in your sign, Sagittarius, it’s something that can truly help you now and especially in the future. This is largely because you’ll be learning your true capabilities. Too-high expectations can have a way of producing guilt, as we can fail to live up to them. This in no way means that you have to undersell yourself, but it IS a time for redefining goals so that they are more realistic and doable. Saturn will be in your sign for the better part of the next three years. Illusions about the self, the body, and personal abilities will no longer be entertained. This is also a time when you may feel that others are not as quick to lend support. Keep in mind that support may not be forthcoming if you act as if you are just fine without it. This is a strong period for getting your life in order.

Capricorn

With Saturn now in the sign just behind yours and your solar twelfth house, contemplation of the meaning of your existence, your accomplishments, and your “failures” are themes, dear Capricorn. Get ready to face your inner demons – the vague fears that undermine you. The twelfth house in some ways is a dumping ground for things we have left “undone”. Saturn here wants you to sort through the junk and keep only those things that you truly need for future development. This process can be rather lengthy and it can feel very slow, but if done properly, it can be most rewarding. There can be a retiring, somewhat withdrawn or private element to your personality during this transit that is with you for the better part of the next three years. You may need to watch that people in your life don’t feel rejected by your withdrawal. You may be attracted to alternative ways of living, and to self-study fields, such as psychoanalysis.

Aquarius

With Saturn now transiting your friends and hopes sector, you are learning to give to others what you want to receive from them, dear Aquarius. You might also discover that some of your friends or group associations are no longer in line with your current path, and some may be breaking down while others strengthen. This is not a bleak period for your friendships; in fact, it’s a good time for establishing long-lasting ties. However, you may be dealing with some disillusionments along the way. Weeding out what seems now to be superfluous social associations from your life is very likely at this time as you become more serious about what you want, on a personal level, from your life. During this cycle that lasts for the better part of the next three years, you are able to look at yourself in a realistic and reasonable manner, and you are less vulnerable to self-delusions.

Pisces

With Saturn now moving through your solar tenth house, you are going through a process of self-evaluation in terms of where you stand professionally, dear Pisces, and in terms of your responsibilities and outward signs of success. Now is your chance to build a secure foundation in your professional and/or most public life. Some of you might be receiving recognition and career “rewards” at this time, while others might be feeling the weight of poor decisions made to date. A more realistic approach to achieving your dreams is something you’ll be striving for during this transit that will be with you for the better part of the next three years. You are now treated to a realistic look at what you have built and what you have achieved. You no longer view your place in the world, career, reputation, and standing in society with rose-colored glasses.

The Details:

If you’re astrologically inclined and interested in the details of the Astrology of today, here are the factors considered in the forecasts:

Date & Time: 23 Dec 2014 9:52 pm
Event: Moon enters Aquarius
Description: The Moon in Aquarius
This is generally a good time for social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group, and networking. A change of pace refreshes. Hobbies, clubs, and groups may demand attention now. It is time to build networks and cooperate. Humanitarian pursuits are highlighted.

Date & Time: 23 Dec 2014 11:33 am
Event: Moon goes void of course

Date & Time: 23 Dec 2014 0:39 am
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Qnx Jun
Description: Transiting Moon Quincunx Transiting Juno
There can be some inclination to manipulate others to further our own goals, which should be avoided. There may be indecision regarding feelings about a relationship. Alternatively, there can be a conundrum regarding family and a relationship.
Date & Time: 23 Dec 2014 5:48 am
Event: Tr-Tr Mon SSq Nep
Description: Transiting Moon SemiSquare Transiting Neptune
If we are not in touch with our need for inspiration, beauty, compassion, connection to something otherworldly, or our spirituality, we could feel out of sorts right now. Relaxing, listening to music, getting close to nature, or taking a break may resolve this.

Date & Time: 23 Dec 2014 9:52 pm
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cnj Aqu
Description: Transiting Moon Entering Aquarius
This is generally a good time for social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group, and networking. A change of pace refreshes. Hobbies, clubs, and groups may demand attention now. It is time to build networks and cooperate. Humanitarian pursuits are highlighted.

Date & Time: 23 Dec 2014 5:14 pm
Event: Tr-Tr Sun Sqq Jun
Description: Transiting Sun SesquiSquare Transiting Juno
We may have difficulty relating to one another if we are not treating each other as equals. There can be temptations to manipulate in order to get our way. There can be jealousy or lack of trust that interferes with healthy interactions. Conceding may feel as if we are giving up something of ourselves.
Date & Time: 23 Dec 2014 8:32 pm
Event: Tr-Tr Mer Cnj Ves
Description: Transiting Mercury Conjunction Transiting Vesta
We are willing to put in the effort and dedication to a mental interest or project. We are focused, detail-oriented, and may be perfectionistic.
Date & Time: 23 Dec 2014 5:48 am
Event: Tr-Tr Ven Sqr Nod
Description: Transiting Venus Square Transiting North Node
We may be re-evaluating relationships in terms of whether or not they are contributing to our personal growth. There could be some disagreeableness.

Date & Time: 23 Dec 2014 11:33 am
Event: Tr-Tr Sat Cnj Sag
Description: Transiting Saturn Entering Sagittarius
Saturn in Sagittarius asks us to take on the responsibility of living according to our personal truths and principles, and to be loyal to these. This is a time for turning a critical eye to those beliefs and principles that don’t accurately reflect our authentic selves. It is time to consider committing to higher education, developing a stricter moral code, and firming up our belief systems.

BALANCE OF SIGNS
Scores: Aries 1; Taurus 0; Gemini 0; Cancer 0; Leo 1; Virgo 0; Libra 0; Scorpio 0; Sagittarius 1; Capricorn 11; Aquarius 2; Pisces 1
CAPRICORN STRONG
Disciplined, responsible, reliable, industrious, conscientious, practical, achieving. Can be pessimistic, overly conventional, rigid, materialistic, callous.
BALANCE OF ELEMENTS
Scores: Fire 3; Earth 11; Air 2; Water 1
EARTH STRONG
You are a practical and efficient, hands-on person. You can be relied on to take a common-sense approach to most matters. Your down-to-earth manner stands you in good stead for the daily chores of life. Your weakness lies in your sometimes stubborn refusal to make changes in your life. You tend to stifle both your own and other people’s enthusiasm.
AIR WEAK
You lack objectivity – the ability to stand back and view aspects of life from a detached and rational perspective. You have difficulty making decisions and in the process of weighing up the pros and cons in a logical manner.
WATER WEAK
You are out of kilter with your emotions. Crying or losing your cool in front of other people would be a horrifying thought, let alone action, for you. You often lack compassion for others in your human relationships, and need to learn to honor both your own and other people’s feelings.
BALANCE OF MODES
Scores: Cardinal 12; Fixed 3; Mutable 2
CARDINAL STRONG
You enjoy challenge and action, and become frustrated when you have no recourse for change. You expect others to also rise to a challenge.
MUTABLE WEAK
You find it difficult to adapt to new situations. You tend to be inflexible when faced with the demands of change and other people.

LUNAR PHASE: NEW MOON
Moon 0 to 45 degrees ahead of the Sun.

We are impulsive, always looking for new opportunities to express our ideas. We react from our own subjective viewpoints. We enjoy starting new projects.

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EST) on December 23rd:

Note that when an aspect is Applying, it has not yet happened but is within orb – it’s pending. When an aspect is Separating, it has already happened/perfected and is moving away from the aspect. Depending on the speed of the planet/body involved, the aspect will have perfected, or will perfect, in a matter of hours (often the case with the Moon), days, months, and possibly years in the case of the very slow-moving outer planets and bodies.

Note that the Moon moves at a rate of approximately one degree every 2 hours, so that if an aspect involving is applying and has an orb of 5 degrees, the aspect will perfect (be exact) in about 10 hours. If the Moon is separating from an aspect with an orb of 2 degrees, it has already formed said aspect approximately 4 hours ago (since the following are positions at noon today, then it would have occurred at about 8 AM today).

**I suggest paying close attention to applying aspects. The energy of the aspect builds as it gets closer to exact. Once an aspect has happened, it’s over. Separating aspects are good to know for context, but in terms of energy that is with us today, applying aspects are most important. (This is the case for daily astrology influences, not natal astrology).

THE MOON

THE MOON IN CAPRICORN
You feel secure when life is structured, or you are working hard. You may be emotionally distant or cold. You mother’s love may be limited in some way. Your mother may have been strict or cold.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON
CONJUNCTION VENUS Orb 7°38′ Separating
You are calm and gentle and enjoy the company of close friends. You like to surround yourself with beauty. You are drawn to art, music, nature, and spiritual pursuits.

QUINCUNX JUPITER Orb 1°42′ Separating
You tend to stretch yourself too far, and need to adjust the amount of time you spend chasing rainbows.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN CAPRICORN
You are responsible and respectful, with a strong need to be an authority figure. You command respect and may tend to superiority and bossiness.

2ND DEGREE OF CAPRICORN
Part of Body: Left patella
Sabian Symbol: Three stained-glass windows, one damaged by bombardment.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN
SEXTILE NEPTUNE Orb 3°24′ Applying
Opportunities will arise for you to express your intuitive and artistic nature.

MERCURY

MERCURY IN CAPRICORN
You are a wise and careful thinker. You place importance on credibility and authority. Therefore you will seek knowledge which carries some authority. You may approach new ideas with caution.

11TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN
Part of Body: Left cruciate ligaments
Sabian Symbol: Pheasants display their brilliant colors on a vast lawn.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY
CONJUNCTION VENUS Orb 5°55′ Applying
You express yourself in a loving manner. You enjoy talking with people, and they find you a warm and welcoming listener.

SQUARE URANUS Orb 2°09′ Applying
You have so many original thoughts and ideas that you find it difficult to capture them on paper.

CONJUNCTION PLUTO Orb 2°28′ Applying
You have a probing mind. You avoid social chit-chat preferring deep and meaningful conversations. You are able to research topics of interest.

SEXTILE CHIRON Orb 3°06′ Applying
You can be soothing and caring when you speak to people. You enjoy learning about health and healing.

VENUS

VENUS IN CAPRICORN
You are shy in relationships. You will form relationships slowly, but they are likely to be enduring. You may not form close relationships early in life, but later will have solid and committed relationships. You are responsible with your money and possessions.

17TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN
Part of Body: Condyle of left tibia
Sabian Symbol: A girl surreptitiously bathing in the nude.

ASPECTS OF VENUS
SQUARE URANUS Orb 3°45′ Separating
You are restless and lack commitment in your personal relationships. You are wilful and see anyone else’s claim on you as an obstacle to your freedom of self- expression. You need to learn to compromise and enjoy your partner’s unique contribution to your life.

CONJUNCTION PLUTO Orb 3°26′ Separating
You want intensity and drama in your personal relationships. You are consumed with love and passion and expect your partner to feel the same way. You are disappointed when others fail to soar to great emotional heights and plummet the emotional depths by your side. On a more positive note you are fiercely loyal and committed with an ability to fight any injustice.

MARS

MARS IN AQUARIUS
You will fight for just causes. You are unpredictable, but will probably be a group leader. You may become rebellious when angry.

15TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS
Part of Body: Lymph vessels of right lower leg
Sabian Symbol: Two lovebirds sitting on a fence.

ASPECTS OF MARS
OPPOSITION JUPITER Orb 7°42′ Applying
You feel a pull between your drive to achieve and a need to enjoy yourself. You need to develop self discipline and to curb your impatience.

SEXTILE URANUS Orb 1°59′ Separating
You enjoy being able to express your enormous energy. In any field you are able to bring enthusiasm. Avoid the mundane.

JUPITER

JUPITER IN LEO
You are benevolent, generous and fun loving. You are on an enthusiastic search for creative expression. You may also have a love of children.

23RD DEGREE OF LEO
Part of Body: Left auricle
Sabian Symbol: A bareback rider in a circus thrills excited crowds.
SATURN

SATURN IN SAGITTARIUS
You may be committed to higher education and have a strict moral code. You are also an easygoing and optimistic worker.

1ST DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS
Part of Body: Pelvic bone
Sabian Symbol: A grand army of the republic campfire.

ASPECTS OF SATURN
SQUARE NEPTUNE Orb 5°11′ Applying
You lack confidence in your artistic ability or in your relationships. Learn to believe in yourself and avoid being drawn into the psychic realms as you still have to learn how to deal with the practical side of life.

URANUS

URANUS IN ARIES
(1928 – 1934) It is important to note that Uranus spends a long time in each sign, and therefore the interpretation applies to a generation rather than the individual. For a more individual interpretation look at the house position. This is the generation of initiative and spontaneity. It indicates the breaking down of old structures and the emerging of the new.

13TH DEGREE OF ARIES
Part of Body: Ventricles of brain
Sabian Symbol: A bomb which failed to explode is now safely concealed.

ASPECTS OF URANUS
SQUARE PLUTO Orb 0°18′ Separating
Your generation works hard to use your power to right the wrongs you perceive in society. First you must learn to control that power in your own life.

CONJUNCTION THE SOUTH NODE Orb 3°23′ Applying
You have a tendency to seek excitement and scatter your energies. You have many unique talents, but need to develop discipline in order to make the most of them.

NEPTUNE

NEPTUNE IN PISCES
It is important to note that Neptune takes about 164 years to make a complete cycle, spending about thirteen years in each sign. Therefore the interpretation of Neptune in the Sign applies to a generation rather than the individual. For a more individual interpretation look at the house position. This generation may possess the ability to be at-one with God. They may be able to express their spirituality through visions and art. They may also be inspirational teachers, conscious of wholeness.

PLUTO IN CAPRICORN
It is important to note that Pluto takes about 248 years to make a complete cycle, spending 12 to 32 years in each sign. Therefore the interpretation of Pluto in its sign applies to a generation rather than the individual. For a more individual interpretation look at the house position. This is the generation of a change in world government. This generation will posses the ability to transform old structures into new and enduring ones.

13TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN
Part of Body: Left knee joint
Sabian Symbol: A fire worshipper.

ASPECTS OF PLUTO
SEXTILE CHIRON Orb 0°38′ Applying
You have the ability to be a catalyst in your daily life, helping others face and heal their emotional pain.

CHIRON

CHIRON IN PISCES
You will have difficulty gaining your own sense of individuality. You have an ability to feel others’ pain and may need to detach and meditate. You may also suffer from your own deep and personal grief. You may work for or serve within a healing institution.

14TH DEGREE OF PISCES
Part of Body: Right cutaneous veins
Sabian Symbol: A lady in fox fur.

VESTA

VESTA IN CAPRICORN
You place importance on structure and order in the workplace. You have great discipline and personal ambition, and can succeed in administrative and management positions. Workers will turn to you for a sense of stability and authority.

11TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN
Part of Body: Left cruciate ligaments
Sabian Symbol: Pheasants display their brilliant colors on a vast lawn.

PALLAS

PALLAS IN SCORPIO
You have a probing mind preferring to always get to the bottom of things. You can be ruthless in your pursuit of the true story. You are a detective and a psychologist.

29TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO
Part of Body: Vomer
Sabian Symbol: A woman pleading for the lives of her children.

JUNO

JUNO IN LEO
You want to be proud of your partner, and for them to take pride in you. You want to have fun, romance, and creativity within your relationship.

18TH DEGREE OF LEO
Part of Body: Right cardiac cavity
Sabian Symbol: A chemist conducts an experiment before his students.

CERES

CERES IN SAGITTARIUS
You prefer your loved ones to provide you with a sense of adventure and freedom. You feel cared for when you are allowed space to explore and reach for your goals.

24TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS
Part of Body: Popliteal fossa
Sabian Symbol: A bluebird standing at the door of the house.

HYGEIA

HYGEIA IN CANCER
Your health may be closely linked to your home environment. Any disruptions in the home may spark bouts of ill health. You may be concerned for your family’s health.

11TH DEGREE OF CANCER
Part of Body: Gastric veins
Sabian Symbol: A clown making grimaces.

ASTRAEA

ASTRAEA IN ARIES
You have an inability to let go of your independence. You want to continue doing things your own way when it is time to start co-operating.

3RD DEGREE OF ARIES
Part of Body: Cerebellum
Sabian Symbol: A cameo profile of a man in the outline of his country.

THE NORTH NODE

THE NORTH NODE IN LIBRA
This is a quest to learn co-operation. You have a tendency to want your own way and to force your opinions onto others. You need to develop selflessness, the ability to share and a sensitivity to the needs of other people.

THE SOUTH NODE IN ARIES
This is a quest to learn co-operation. You have a tendency to want your own way and to force your opinions onto others. You need to develop selflessness, the ability to share and a sensitivity to the needs of other people.

16TH DEGREE OF ARIES
Part of Body: Pons
Sabian Symbol: Dancing in the setting sun.